My aquatic plants are not growing well, what should I do?

My aquatic plants aren't growing well, what should I do? The first thing is to check several factors: planting depth, quality of the substrate and/or aquatic soil used, basket size, varieties...

Plants are of considerable importance in the pond's balance. In a way, they compete with filamentous algae by assimilating the organic matter (nitrates) present in the water. A minimum number of plants is therefore required to avoid them. There are submerged, oxygenating, floating aquatic plants and many other varieties.

5 reasons that limit the development of aquatic plants in a pond?

• Pay attention to the recommended exposure for the plant (full sun, partial shade planting, etc.)
• Check water hardness carefully: GH+ & KH+ / Rainwater is often too soft for the pond. Acidic water may limit algae but is not necessarily good for your aquatic plants
• Watch the depth, respect the planting levels (see the micro-guide below)
• Check if there is still aquatic soil in your pot. The soil can become depleted over time and lack nutrients. You can use a booster like Fishtale, which will help improve the health of your aquatic plants.

How to plant an aquatic plant?

Here is a diagram we created to easily explain how to plant an aquatic plant :-) You will need to choose several items if you want to install your aquatic plants in the best conditions:

• an aquatic plant, it goes without saying, but still! :-)
• a basket adapted to the variety of aquatic plants (see plants here)
• jute cloth (we don't provide scissors, but every good gardener does!)
• gravel to prevent fish from attacking the basket
• aquatic plant soil

What should be used as substrate or aquatic soil?

Once the pond is landscaped, favorable conditions must be established for the growth of aquatic plants. These eliminate harmful elements present in the water and produce oxygen. Therefore, aquatic plants are not only decorative, but also essential to the biological balance of ponds.

To obtain lush vegetative growth, a bottom substrate composed of soil or aquatic soil, peat, and clay is needed. The floor of a pond is the key to its biological balance.

1. Take a planting basket.
2. Line the inside with jute cloth.
3. Fill with soil suitable for aquatic plants.
4. Place the plant in the soil.
5. Close the jute cloth around the collar of the plant.
6. Cover the jute cloth with large pebbles to weigh down the plant and prevent fish from digging it up.
7. Place the basket at the indicated depth

A layer of at least 15 cm of soil is essential for water lilies and most marsh plants. To prevent any dispersion of the soil, it should be covered with a layer of fine-grained substrate or a layer of pre-washed gravel.

If aquatic plants are placed in synthetic planting baskets, it is advisable to use jute cloth to prevent the soil from dispersing into the water.

How to select the planting depth?

The depth of a pond must absolutely reach a minimum of 80 cm for the well-being of small fish and 1 m for large ones (koi, sturgeon, etc.). The other tiers are essential for planting. The greatest depth must cover at least 30% of the pond's surface.

Strengthen with a booster

• Fishtale : Slow-release stimulant tablets rich in trace elements. The ideal product for your aquatic plants / Fishtale allows you to increase the growth of your plants / Easy to use and very effective. Dosage: 2 to 3 tablets per group of plants, 4 to 5 for a water lily basket. Insert the tablets once a year (spring) at the base of the plants.

• Growth Balls: Velda fertilizer balls are particularly indicated to ensure the nutrition and fertilization of water lilies and marsh plants. The nutrients, trace elements, and mineral salts they contain are immediately assimilated by the roots of these plants. This fertilizer in ball form ensures lush growth for water lilies and marsh plants. Push the fertilizer balls into the soil near the roots. This package is sufficient for a soil surface of 0.5 m2 or 2 plant baskets. Apply fertilizer every 6 to 8 weeks from March to August depending on the plant's growth.

There are other boosters for aquatic plants that you can find by clicking here. You can add fertilizer every 6 to 8 weeks from March to August depending on the plant's growth and the age of the soil. Some water lilies bloom better with a well-enriched soil like the "Elite" from Velda. It is a soil of incredible quality.